if i tighten my heatsink to tight OR overclock a tad unstable I get this weird problem. it only allows me to use 2048mb out of 4096mb of ram! cpu-z detects all 4gb in dual channel mode, BUT windows or any other program only see's 2048mb?? even at POST it will only show 2048. im just wondering if others have this problem or not. i am using a backplate, and am using a venomous-x. I do not have the preassure screw tightend at all, in fact i can move the cooler with my hands it dont move easy but it will move (using this to show it isnt SUPER tight).

This is a relatively common issue that effects 1366 as well. The venom is known for bringing it out due to the high mounting force. I'm not positive if the issue is due to warping or the mounting digging into the circuit traces, but I have seen people fix this using little paper washers on the mounts which would imply to me there's some sort of shorting going on.

still getting the same thing. my board has a full LOTES socket so it cant be a crappy foxconn socket issue. im stumped. it also happens if i oc and its a tad unstable. but it will do it at stock if the cooler is to tight so it cant be an OC issue

EDIT: took the cooler off, took the cpu out, put it back in, put the cooler back on but loose. now it seems to be forking for the moment but temps are shitty as hell. hoping to find a real fix to the problem

When I had this problem (using a Mega and Xig backplate combo) I actually had to loosen the Mega just a touch AND the screws that mount the motherboard to the chassis- the board was flexing I guess. Haven't had it resurface since.

If the washers didn't do it it has to be flex. Unfortunately the only solution I can think of is another board or another cooler. It's very difficult to combat flexing issues like that without making some custom parts.